EP3734001B1 - Locking device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a locking device that can be switched between a locking state and a release state, comprising at least one switching device with a switching element that can be adjusted between a locked position and a release position and an electromagnetic drive for adjusting the switching element, so that the locking device is in the locked position of the switching element in the locked state and is in the release state in the release position of the switching element, the electromagnetic drive of the switching element having at least one excitation coil and a permanent-magnetic armature which can be moved back and forth electromagnetically between two end positions by the action of the excitation coil.

The documents GB 2208678A , US2016017636A1 such as WO 2004067885 A1 show locking devices from the prior art.

Previously known locking devices are usually mechanical or electronic locking devices. Above all, mechanical devices such as, for example, all types of door locks, padlocks or the like have been known for a long time. The advantage of these constructions is simple and cheap manufacture using technologies that have been known for a long time. A major disadvantage, however, is the sometimes insufficient security of such locks against unauthorized relocking and the locking authorizations that are specified and difficult to change.

Electronic locking devices provide increased protection against unauthorized access and more flexible assignment of authorizations, since the blocking information in such devices is encoded and is difficult to duplicate using known technologies, but can easily be changed by authorized persons, for example in software. However, it is usually disadvantageous that complicated electronic and mechanical components are required for the changeover of a switchover element between a locking position and a release position in such technical locking devices and high energy consumption occurs. Due to the usually complex construction of such electronic locking devices, the constructions are expensive to manufacture and also often error-prone due to the large number of components.

To actuate a locking device, an actuating element is usually provided, such as a door handle, a doorknob, a key or the like, the movement of which is either direct or with the interposition of a coupling device with a locking element, such as a locking lug or a locking bar, for opening or closing a lock is coupled, the coupling device coupling the actuator to the blocking device usually only when access authorization has been determined. Access authorization can be determined mechanically by inserting a suitable key or electronically by identification using an electronic code. Especially with electronic locks, conventional coupling devices are complicated in construction and require maintenance, since the coupling members usually have to be driven by motors or other electromagnetic drives in order to be moved between an engaged and a disengaged position. In addition, precautions must be taken against manipulation of any kind, eg through the application of force through impact or using strong magnets. The construction usually requires a lot of space, so that miniaturization is not readily possible.

The present invention aims to avoid the disadvantages mentioned above and to create a locking device which is inexpensive to manufacture and has less maintenance and a higher locking security. Furthermore, the power consumption required for the drive should be minimized.

The invention also aims to reduce the overall size in such a way that all electrical and mechanical assemblies can be integrated into a locking device of the conventional type, such as a cylinder lock.

To solve this problem, the locking device of the type mentioned is essentially developed in such a way that the permanent-magnetic armature in both end positions, with one or one ferrous or permanent magnetic element interacts magnetically to hold the armature in the respective end position.

By using an electromagnetic drive, in which at least one excitation coil attracts or repels a reciprocating armature magnetically when energized, the movement required for the switching movement is caused in an extremely energy-saving manner, because the movement only takes a short current pulse is required. Due to the fact that the armature is formed by a permanent magnet, a relatively weak magnetic field of the at least one exciter coil can also be sufficient, which reduces power consumption. The electromagnetic drive preferably has an open ferromagnetic circuit, such as an iron circuit. In another preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic drive does not have a separate ferromagnetic circuit, such as an iron circuit. In further preferred embodiments, the permanent-magnetic armature can reach into the at least one exciter coil, but does not have to. In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one exciter coil can be designed as an air coil.

With conventional electromagnets, the power supply must be maintained in order to hold the armature in an end position, which causes high power consumption. In contrast, according to the invention, the permanent-magnetic armature is held in the end position without current, in that the armature interacts magnetically with a ferromagnetic or permanent-magnetic element in the end position. The ferromagnetic or permanent magnetic element is preferably arranged in such a way that it is touched by the armature as soon as the armature reaches the end position.

A ferromagnetic or permanent magnetic element is arranged at both end positions, so that the armature is held magnetically in both end positions without current flowing through the excitation coil. This creates a bistable switching device that only requires a short current pulse to switch the armature from one end position to the other end position.

The at least one excitation coil can preferably be arranged in such a way that it encloses the armature at least over a partial axial length of the armature. Alternatively, the at least one excitation coil can also be arranged in such a way that it adjoins the armature in the direction of the reciprocating movement of the armature or is at least sufficiently in its effective range. In all of these cases, however, it is provided that the geometric axis of the at least one excitation coil is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the armature, which extends in the direction of the to-and-fro movement. It is preferably provided here that no closed iron circuit is formed.

The permanent magnetic armature is preferably polarized in the direction of its reciprocation, i.e. the north pole and the south pole are at opposite end regions of the armature with respect to the reciprocation.

The permanent magnetic armature can preferably have a square, rectangular, circular, triangular or elliptical cross section.

If a single excitation coil is provided, the desired direction of movement of the armature can be achieved by suitably polarizing the excitation coil. If, as is the case in a preferred embodiment, two exciter coils are provided, in a further preferred embodiment polarity reversal of the exciter coils can be dispensed with when changing direction if one exciter coil is responsible for the forward movement and the other exciter coil for the forward movement. But it can also in a further preferred embodiment, a coil each Repel anchor and the second attracts it at the same time. In this way, a higher force effect is achieved on the armature, since a coil is very close to each of the two end positions and, due to the small distance, a high force effect can develop. For the movement of the armature in the opposite direction, both coils are reversed. The coils can also be controlled at different times.

In the case of two excitation coils, these preferably enclose the two opposite end regions of the armature or are arranged adjacent to them.

The ferromagnetic or permanent magnetic elements provided for holding the end position of the armature can preferably be arranged in or on the excitation coil. In the case of two excitation coils, it can be provided that each excitation coil has a ferromagnetic or permanent magnetic element that defines the respective end position.

The at least one excitation coil is preferably arranged in a stationary manner and the armature is guided to move back and forth relative to the stationary excitation coil. This means that moving electrical contacts, such as sliding contacts, can be dispensed with.

The armature is preferably made of a permanent magnetic material that has a high magnetic flux density. For example, the armature is designed as a neodymium-iron-boron magnet (Nd ₂ Fe ₁₄ B).

An advantage of the drive according to the invention lies in the small number of components and in the resulting resulting reliable operation. Furthermore, due to the simple structure, miniaturization is possible, so that with a correspondingly small size, an arrangement within the locking device is made possible without having to exceed the specified size, for example of a conventional lock cylinder.

Furthermore, extremely short positioning times are possible with the drive according to the invention, so that particularly short locking and unlocking times are achieved.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the permanent-magnetic armature forms the switching element responsible for switching the locking device between a locking state and a release state. In this case, therefore, no separate switching element is provided, but rather the armature assumes the function of the switching element.

However, the material of the armature is primarily selected with regard to its permanent magnetic properties, so that the armature does not have sufficient mechanical stability for some applications. It is therefore preferably provided that the switchover element is designed as an element that is separate from the permanent-magnetic armature and with which the armature interacts in terms of drive. The material of the armature and the material of the switching element can be selected with regard to the respective requirements, namely the material of the armature with regard to the permanent magnetic properties and the material of the switching element with regard to sufficient mechanical stability. The In this case, the switching element can preferably consist of a ferromagnetic material.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the switchover element is displaceably guided along a straight adjustment path between the locking position and the release position. The translational movement of the switching element enables the reciprocating movement of the armature to be converted directly into a corresponding reciprocating movement of the switching element. If the switchover element is designed as a component separate from the armature, it can be pushed or withdrawn directly by the armature, with the necessary coupling of the armature to the switchover element being able to be effected by the magnetic force of the permanent-magnetic armature.

In order to switch the locking device between the locking state and the release state using the switching device, according to a preferred embodiment it can be provided that the locking device comprises two components, one of which can be moved, in particular rotated, relative to the other, and that the switching element controls the two Components in the locking position or in the release position rigidly, in particular, non-rotatably connects and releases the relative movement in the other position.

A particularly compact design is preferably achieved in that the electromagnetic drive of the switching element is accommodated in one of the two components. In particular, the electromagnetic drive, comprising the at least one excitation coil and the armature, be accommodated in a preferably cylindrical receptacle of one of the two components.

Provision is preferably made for the locking device to be in the form of a lock cylinder with a lock cylinder housing and a cylinder core which is rotatably mounted in a recess in the lock cylinder housing.

In this case, the switchover element can advantageously be designed as a locking pin which connects the lock cylinder housing and the cylinder core in a rotationally fixed manner in the locking position and is completely retracted into the lock cylinder housing or the cylinder core in the release position. In the non-rotatably connected state, actuation of the locking device is blocked as a result.

In a structurally particularly simple manner, provision can be made for the locking pin in the locking position to dip into a recess in the lock cylinder housing, starting from the cylinder core, or into a recess in the cylinder core, starting from the lock cylinder housing.

The switchover element, in particular the locking pin, can be used here to block or release the movement of a blocking element of the locking device, which movement is manual or takes place by means of another drive.

Alternatively, the switching member, in particular the locking pin, here serve to the manual or by means of another drive taking place movement of a Actuating element, such as a handle to block or release the locking device.

In the case of locking devices, coupling devices can be used which, for example, couple or decouple an actuating element with the blocking member. When the operating element is decoupled from the locking member, the operating element can be moved freely without any effect, for example an operating knob can only be rotated freely. Only when the actuating element is coupled to the locking member does an actuation of the actuating element bring about a corresponding movement of the locking member. In the context of the present invention, a preferred further development in this context provides that the locking device has an actuating element, such as a handle, which can be coupled to the cylinder core with the interposition of a coupling device in order to move the same, the coupling device moving between an engaged position and a Has disengaged movable driver element, which is formed by the switching element. Such an electromagnetic drive of the driver element leads to an extremely reliable functioning, with such a drive being easily integrated into the clutch device due to the small size of the switching device. The driver element is preferably guided in a translatory manner. The driver element is advantageously guided in a translatory manner in a direction transverse or parallel to the axis of rotation of the actuating member, as a result of which the actuating member can be coupled to the locking member in a particularly secure manner.

The invention can be used in various locking devices. It is therefore preferably provided that the locking device as a locking cylinder, double-knob locking cylinder, double-knob locking cylinder with one-sided or double-sided key insertion function for a mechanical overlock, locking cylinder with only one knob, with or without key insertion function on the locking cylinder side opposite the knob,

Double locking cylinder, double locking cylinder with mechanical or electronic or mechatronic authorization query on both sides, half cylinder, half cylinder with knob, half cylinder with mechatronic authorization query, half cylinder with electronic authorization query, knob, fitting with latches and/or bolt actuation, mortise lock, self-locking mortise lock, furniture lock, furniture lock cylinder, padlock or switching cylinder is trained.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments shown schematically in the drawing. in this show 1 and Fig.2 state-of-the-art locking devices, 3 a first embodiment of the locking device according to the invention and 4 another modified training. In 1 a lock cylinder is shown which comprises a stationary lock cylinder housing 1 and a cylinder core 2 rotatably mounted therein. A rotation of the cylinder core 2 actuates a locking lug (not shown) coupled to the cylinder core 2, which in turn is a locking element, such as a latch or moved a locking bolt. The cylinder core 2 can be actuated in the conventional manner by a suitable mechanical key inserted into a key channel of the cylinder core 2 or by a handle which is non-rotatably connected to the cylinder core or can be coupled in a non-rotatable connection. Access control is carried out by checking electronic access authorization data stored on a suitable data carrier, the electronic access authorization data being read out by a suitable reading device and checked in an evaluation circuit with regard to access authorization. If an access authorization is determined, a release is effected by a switching device which has a switching element that can be adjusted between a locking position and a release position and an electromagnetic drive for adjusting the switching element.

In the present example, the switchover element is formed by a permanent-magnetic armature 4 which is accommodated in a recess 3 of the cylinder core 2 and is guided in the recess 3 in the direction of the arrow 6 in a displaceable manner. The armature 4 can be moved from the in 1 shown release position are shifted into a locking position in which the armature 4 is shifted into a recess 7 formed in the lock cylinder housing 1, whereby the rotatability of the cylinder core 2 relative to the lock cylinder housing 1 is blocked. The armature 4 is driven with the aid of an exciter coil 5, shown schematically, which is arranged adjacent to the armature 4. Alternatively, the Excitation coil also enclose the armature 4, as indicated by the reference numeral 5 '.

When the excitation coil 5 or 5 ′ is energized with a current pulse, a magnetic field is generated which causes the armature to be repelled in the direction of the arrow 6 . A return of the armature 4 from the locking position to the release position takes place by energizing the excitation coil 5 or 5′ with reversed polarity, so that the armature 4 is attracted magnetically.

According to the alternative model 2 A ferromagnetic element 8 is arranged in the recess 7 and is designed to hold the permanent-magnetic armature 4 magnetically in the locking position dipping into the recess 7 .

According to the invention, as in 3 shown, another ferromagnetic element 9 is arranged in the recess 3 in order to hold the armature 4 magnetically even in the release position. As a result, the end positions of the armature 4 can also be held without energizing the excitation coil 5 or 5'. In 4 a further embodiment is shown, in which the locking device has an actuating element, such as a handle, which can be coupled to the cylinder core with the interposition of a coupling device to move the same, the coupling device having a driver element that can be moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In 4 only the clutch device and the drive of the driver element or switchover element are shown here.

The coupling device comprises a rotatable coupling part 10 which is non-rotatably connected to the handle (for example the handle of a fitting) which is not shown. The coupling device also includes a rotatable coupling part 11, which is non-rotatably connected to the mortise lock, which is not shown (hereinafter, to the latch of the mortise lock). The driver element is denoted by 12 and is designed as a switching element, which is 4 is in the locked position so that the locking device is in the locked state. The handle can be turned freely together with the coupling part 10 . In order to couple the coupling part 10 to the coupling part 11 in a torque-proof manner, the switching element 12 must be moved upwards so that it dips into the recess 13 formed in the coupling part 10 when the recess 13 is in a position aligned with the switching element 12 .

The switching element 12 is again driven electromagnetically with the aid of a permanent-magnetic armature 14 with a north pole N and a south pole S. The armature 14 is accommodated in an elongate guide and can be moved up and down in the direction of the double arrow 15 . An excitation coil 16 and 17 is arranged on each side of the armature 14 . The armature 14 is rigidly connected to a rod 18, which in turn is rigidly connected to another permanent magnet 19 having a north pole N and a south pole S. The permanent magnet 19 is coupled to the switching element 12 . The functionality is now as follows.

The two excitation coils 16 and 17 are controlled in order to move the armature 14 starting from the in 4 shown position upwards, whereby the excitation coils can act together in that the excitation coil 16 is energized in such a way that it exerts a repulsive force on the armature 14 and the excitation coil 17 is energized in such a way that it exerts an attractive force on the armature 14 . The excitation of the two excitation coils can take place sequentially, so that first excitation coil 16 and then excitation coil 17 is energized in order to accomplish the required stroke of armature 14 with minimal power consumption. The movement of the armature 14 is transmitted via the rod 18 to the permanent magnet 19, which pushes the switching element 12 upwards. For the reverse movement, it is provided that the switching element 12 consists of a ferromagnetic material, so that the permanent magnet 19 magnetically entrains the switching element 12 during the downward movement.

In order to keep the switching element 12 in the respective end position, ferromagnetic or permanent magnetic elements are again provided (not shown).

If the parts to be coupled are not aligned, the resulting magnetic spring between the armature 14 and the respective ferromagnetic or permanent magnetic element can be preloaded in such a way that the armature moves a little towards the new end position, so that the armature 14 or with this mechanically coupled permanent magnet 19 comes into the effective range of the respective ferromagnetic or permanent magnetic element and through the action of the magnetic spring in the respective end position pulled as soon as the parts to be coupled are aligned.

In the 4 The construction shown can also be accommodated, for example, in a cylinder knob or, correspondingly miniaturized, in other parts of a lock cylinder or lock cylinder core.

Claims (17)

1. Locking device which can be switched between a locking state and a release state, comprising at least one switching device with a switching element (4, 12) displaceable between a locking position and a release position and an electromagnetic drive for displacing the switching element (4, 12), so that the locking device is in the locking state, if the switching element (4, 12) is in the locking position, and the locking device is in the release state, if the switching element (4, 12) is in the release position, the electromagnetic drive having at least one excitation coil (5, 5') and a permanent magnetic armature (4, 14) that can be moved back and forth electromagnetically between two end positions by the action of the excitation coil (5, 5'), characterized in that the permanent magnetic armature (4, 14) interacts magnetically in both end positions with a ferromagnetic or permanent magnetic element, in order to hold the armature (4, 14) in the respective end position.
2. Locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electromagnetic drive has an open ferromagnetic circuit, such as an iron circuit.
3. Locking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electromagnetic drive does not have a ferromagnetic circuit, such as an iron circuit.
4. Locking device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electromagnetic drive for holding the end positions of the armature (4, 14) and for moving the armature (4, 14) back and forth does not have a mechanical spring.
5. Locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a magnetic spring results between the armature (4, 14) and the respective ferromagnetic or permanent magnetic element.
6. Locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the permanent magnetic armature (4, 14) forms the switching element (4, 12).
7. Locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the switching element (12) is designed as an element separate from the permanent magnetic armature (4, 14), with which the armature (4, 14) drivingly cooperates.
8. Locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the switching element (4, 12) is guided displaceably along a straight displacement path between the locking position and the release position.
9. Locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the locking device comprises two components, one of which is movable relative to the other, in particular rotatable, and that the switching element (4, 12) rigidly, in particular non-rotatably, connects the two components in the locking position or in the release position to one another and releases the relative movement in the respective other position.
10. Locking device according to claim 9, characterized in that the electromagnetic drive of the switching element (4, 12) is received in one of the two components.
11. Locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the locking device is designed as a lock cylinder with a lock cylinder housing (1) and a cylinder core (2) rotatably mounted in a recess of the lock cylinder housing (1).
12. Locking device according to claim 11, characterized in that the switching element (12) is designed as a locking pin which, in the locking position, connects the lock cylinder housing (1) and the cylinder core (2) to one another in a rotationally fixed manner and which, in the release position, is completely withdrawn into the lock cylinder housing (1) or the cylinder core (2).
13. Locking device according to claim 12, characterized in that the locking pin in the locking position plunges from the cylinder core (2) into a recess in the lock cylinder housing (1) or from the lock cylinder housing (1) into a recess in the cylinder core (2).
14. Locking device according to claim 11, characterized in that the locking device has an actuating element, such as a handle, which can be coupled to the cylinder core (2) with the interposition of a coupling device to move it, the coupling device having a catch (12) movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position which is formed by the switching element.
15. Locking device according to claim 14, characterized in that the catch is guided in a translatory manner in a direction transverse or parallel to the axis of rotation of the actuating element.
16. Locking device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the catch consists of a ferromagnetic material which interacts magnetically with a permanent magnet (19) different from the armature (4, 14), wherein the armature (4, 14) optionally drivingly cooperates with the permanent magnet (19) by the interposition of a displaceable connecting element.
17. Locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the locking device is formed as a lock cylinder, double knob lock cylinder, double knob lock cylinder with one-sided or two-sided key insertion function for a mechanical overlook, locking cylinder with only one knob, with or without key insertion function on the lock cylinder side opposite the knob, double lock cylinder, double lock cylinder with mechanical or electronic or mechatronic authorization query on both sides, half cylinder, half cylinder with knob, half cylinder with mechatronic authorization query, half cylinder with electronic authorization query, knob, fitting with latch and/or bolt actuation, mortise lock, self-locking mortise lock, furniture cylinder lock, furniture lock cylinder, padlock or switch cylinder.

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